Novak Djokovic won a record-extending 10th Australian Open with a three-centimetre tear in his hamstring, an injury battle that was questioned and scrutinised during his charge to the title.
The 35-year-old, who returned to the world No.1 position with his victory, left Melbourne this week planning to seek more information about the torn muscle, an injury he suffered in the Adelaide International semi-finals against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev little more than one week before the Open started.
Novak Djokovic with the trophy.Credit:Getty Images
Djokovic said he had entered an event in Dubai in late February and planned to return to the court then.
But Djokovic and his team, including coach Goran Ivanisevic, insisted he was in legitimate doubt to play at Melbourne Park, particularly in the early rounds before the injury improved.
Tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed that the Serbian had a serious tear and his ability to manage the complaint had parallels to when he overcame an abdominal strain before winning the 2021 title.
“At the end of the day I don’t think anyone can question his athleticism,” Tiley told SEN SportsDay.
“This guy, I did see, he had a three-centimetre tear in his hammy, he had a tear last year [2021] in his stomach.
“I think there was a lot of speculation whether it was true or not, and it’s hard to believe someone can do what they do with those sorts of injuries, but he’s remarkable and to deal with extremely professional.
“He’s so focused on everything he does, every single minute of the day – what he eats, what he drinks, when he does it, how he does it.”
Ivanisevic, a key member of Team Djokovic since 2019 and by his side during his calendar grand slam attempt two years ago, explained his worry after Djokovic’s straight sets win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
“Let me put it like this: I don’t say 100 per cent, but 97 per cent of the players … when you get results of the MRI, you go straight to the referee office and pull out of the tournament,” the former Wimbledon champion said.
ATP finds ‘insufficient evidence’ on abuse allegations against Zverev
The ATP will not take any action against former world No.2 Alexander Zverev following allegations of domestic abuse against the German, the men’s tennis governing body said.
In October 2021, the ATP launched an investigation into allegations levelled by his ex-girlfriend Olga Sharypova, who said in a magazine interview that Zverev was emotionally and physically abusive to her during their relationship.
Alexander Zverev thanks the crowd on his way out of Melbourne Park following a loss in the second round.Credit:Getty
Zverev has consistently denied all the allegations.
The ATP said the investigation’s primary focus was related to alleged abuses taking place at the Masters event in Shanghai in 2019, but its scope also included alleged misconduct in Monaco, New York and Geneva based on reports.
“A major independent investigation into Alexander Zverev has found insufficient evidence to substantiate published allegations of abuse. As a result, no disciplinary action will be taken by ATP,” it said in a statement.
“The investigation was carried out by The Lake Forest Group (LFG), a third-party investigator.
“LFG conducted extensive interviews with both Sharypova and Zverev, and 24 other individuals including family and friends, tennis players, and other parties involved with the ATP Tour.”
The 25-year-old Zverev issued a statement saying he had maintained his innocence and welcomed the ATP investigation, adding he was grateful that the matter was finally resolved.
“From the beginning, I have maintained my innocence and denied the baseless allegations made against me,” he said in a statement on Instagram on Tuesday.
“This decision marks a third, neutral, third-party arbiter who has reviewed all relevant information and made a clear and informed decision on this matter in my favour.
“In addition to the ATP’s independent investigation, I have also initiated court proceedings in Germany and Russia, both of which I have won.
“My priority now is recovering from injury and concentrating on what I love most in this world – tennis.”
After the 15-month investigation, which involved going through material on Zverev’s electronic devices, the ATP said they were unable to substantiate allegations of abuse or determine that any player offences took place.
“This determination may however be re-evaluated should new evidence come to light, or should any legal proceedings reveal violations of ATP rules,” it added.
“Zverev has consistently denied all allegations and supported ATP’s investigation.”
Reuters
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
